New delhi: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on BRICS nations to bolster multilateralism in response to increasing global threats against established international institutions and rules. Speaking at the BRICS Summit's closed session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism, the President emphasized the urgent need for reform and decisive action to sustain the effectiveness of multilateral relations.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted the historical success of multilateralism in fostering global relations, advancing human rights, and promoting development. However, he expressed concern over current threats to the United Nations' relevance and multilateralism's durability due to violations of the UN Charter and the use of war to resolve disputes among Member States.

The President outlined a strategic role for BRICS, advocating for a predictable global system rooted in international law, with the UN Charter at its heart. He urged BRICS to be a unified proponent for reform, ensuring the UN system mirrors contemporary realities with equitable regional representation.

President Ramaphosa proposed that BRICS demonstrate the tangible benefits of multilateral cooperation through initiatives like the New Development Bank, which can drive infrastructure development, sustainable growth, and address critical issues such as food security and climate resilience. He also emphasized BRICS's role in shaping fairer global governance and maintaining dialogue over confrontation in a fragmented world, ensuring developing nations have a significant voice in global decision-making.

The President stressed the importance of upholding international law and ensuring no country acts with impunity. He called for the international community to reflect the voices of Africa and the Global South in shaping the future international order, emphasizing a system based on sovereign equality and territorial integrity.

Further, President Ramaphosa highlighted the need for accountability for global atrocities, citing the situations in Palestine, Sudan, and Iran. He advocated for consistent application of international law principles and protections to all states and peoples, urging use of international justice bodies to seek accountability for violations.

Addressing Africa's representation, the President criticized the UN Security Council's lack of permanent African representation despite the continent's significant membership in the UN. He reiterated South Africa's call for comprehensive Security Council reform to enhance its representativeness and effectiveness.

President Ramaphosa's presence at the 18th BRICS Summit in India underscores South Africa's commitment to advancing its diplomatic and economic priorities. He also engaged in discussions at the BRICS Business Forum and the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable, emphasizing the need for deeper economic cooperation among BRICS nations.